What is Financial Aid?

The term "financial aid" refers to any form of aid meant to assist a student toward meeting the costs of higher education. Financial aid can come in the form of grants, scholarships, or work study. Generally, each form of financial aid has varying deadlines, application processes, and eligibility requirements. To apply for financial aid, submit a FAFSA application each year at www.fafsa.gov. Use college code #042534. Other forms may be required.

Federal Aid

Federal Pell Grant

This grant is awarded primarily on financial need.

Pell Grant amounts vary from student to student and is awarded once every academic school year.

Payment amounts are calculated on the number of units enrolled in and attending and are paid in the form of a check or direct deposit, generally twice a semester

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):

This grant is awarded primarily on financial need.

The FSEOG award is $600 for the year/$300 per semester and is awarded once every academic school year.

Must be enrolled in a minimum 6 units for the semester.

Payment amounts are paid in the form of a check or direct deposit once per semester.

Federal Work Study (FWS)

This is awarded to students who indicate they are interested in student employment on the FAFSA.

FWS is offered on a first-come/first-served basis until all funds are exhausted.

FWS requires a minimum of 6 units of enrollment and is paid in the form of a check or direct deposit every 10th of the month.

Federal Direct Student Loans:

A student loan is borrowed money, which must be repaid with interest.

Direct Loans are funded by the U.S. Department of Education. You repay a Direct Loan to the U.S. Department of Education.

You must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 non-remedial /non-ESL coursework.

Students who are on Financial Aid Disqualification are not eligible for a student loan.

You must submit a FAFSA, complete online entrance counseling, and sign a Master Promissory Note. Other restrictions may apply.

This grant does not require a separate application if you complete your FAFSA early. However, there is a California College Promise Grant application available in the Financial Aid Office if you submit your FAFSA late. Check with the Financial Aid Office for more information.

Cal Grant

Eligibility is first determined by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and then by the school you plan to attend. Cal Grant is paid in the form of a check or direct deposit once a semester.

Current California Community College Students

Will you graduate in 2019? Complete a 2019-2020 FAFSA available October 1, 2018 at www.fafsa.gov and a GPA Verification Form using your high school GPA. Submit both by March 2nd, 2019, to be considered for your high school entitlement Cal Grant.

Current High School Seniors

Complete a 2019-2020 FAFSA available October 1, 2018 at www.fafsa.gov and a GPA Verification Form. Submit both by March 2nd, 2019, to be considered for your high school entitlement Cal Grant

Cal Grant Eligibility:

Students must meet:

Cal Grant Eligibility:

Income and Asset limits set by CSAC

GPA Requirement

Be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units

Cal Grant Awards

Cal Grant A

If you are awarded a Cal Grant A it will remain on reserve until you transfer to a 4-year college.

Assists with tuition and fees for students at public and independent colleges.

Based on merit (3.0 GPA) and income.

Amount may vary from year to year, so check with the Financial Aid Office of the school you intend to transfer to for the current award amount and eligibility guidelines.

Cal Grant B

Based on merit (2.0 GPA) and income.

Award amount for the 2018-19 academic year is $1,672 per year/$836 per semester based on full-time enrollment.

Cal Grant C

Assists students in occupational or vocational programs with tuition and training costs.

Award amount for the 2018-2019 academic year is $547 per year/$273 per semester based on full-time enrollment.

Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)

New financial aid grant for Cal Grant recipients attending a California Community College.

Student must be a full-time student (12+ units).

Student must receive a full-time Cal Grant disbursement.

SSCG is paid in the form of a check or direct deposit once a semester.

Other Aid

Dream Act for AB540 eligible students

Not a US Citizen or Permanent resident? Want to apply for financial aid, but cannot apply for federal aid due to your immigration status? Click on this link for more information regarding the Dream Act Application for AB540 eligible students.

Scholarships

Foster Youth grants:

Chafee Grant

If you are or were in foster care, have financial need and are under 22 years old, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. You don't have to pay this money back. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation and rent while you're in school. You can use your Chafee Grant at any eligible California college or university or career or technical school, as well as schools in other states.

For further information about the California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth and to apply online visit chafee.csac.ca.gov.